SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is used to initiate, manage and terminate multimedia sessions over the Internet. It supports text, voice and video sessions between one or more participants using unicast or multicast. SIP entities include user agents, proxy servers, redirect servers and registrars. SIP uses request and response message types to establish and terminate calls. It allows for call redirection, proxying and instant messaging. SIP can be used for Internet telephony between IP phones and analog phones using gateways. Additional applications include PINT and Internet call waiting. While SIP is still a proposed standard, it promises interoperability for IM and competition with H.323.